Minister of Religious Affairs Apologises Over Zakat Statement

Jakarta — Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has issued an apology for his remarks concerning zakat at a forum discussion that sparked public misunderstanding.

He emphasised that zakat remains a personal religious obligation (fardhu ’ain) and a fundamental pillar of Islam whose status remains unchanged.

“I apologise for my statements that caused misunderstanding. I must reiterate that zakat is a personal obligation and a pillar of Islam that we must fulfil,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar in Jakarta on Saturday.

The minister clarified that his remarks during the Sarasehan 99 Shariah Economists gathering were intended as a call to reorient the management of community funds. He encouraged Shariah economic strengthening to extend beyond zakat alone, also optimising other Islamic philanthropic instruments such as wakaf (endowment), infak (alms), and sedekah (voluntary charity).

“This is the model we wish to study and adapt to accelerate community progress in Indonesia, without diminishing the clear zakat obligation in Islamic teachings,” he stated.

The minister expressed hope that this clarification would correct circulating information and strengthen public understanding about the importance of optimising all religious social funds instruments.

He also called on society to continue fulfilling zakat obligations whilst supporting the development of wakaf and Islamic philanthropy in a more productive and sustainable manner.

A narrative had emerged suggesting “abandonment of zakat,” with video clips circulating on social media that generated various public responses. Thobib Al Asyhar, Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Public Relations and Communications Bureau, subsequently provided clarification stating that the minister’s remarks were a call to Muslims with financial capacity to move beyond the minimal 2.5 per cent obligation towards broader generosity.